Picture this: you’re standing on the edge of a vast canyon, the sun setting behind you, casting golden hues across the rocky landscape.
Or maybe you’re hiking through a lush forest, where the air is so fresh you feel like you’re breathing in pure magic.
From towering mountains to crystal-clear lakes, the US is bursting with natural wonders that will leave you speechless.
Get ready to explore 23 of the most breathtaking places in the country that you simply can’t miss.
These spots will make you want to pack your bags and hit the road!
1. Avenue of the Giants, California
The Avenue of the Giants is a stunning 31-mile scenic drive located in Northern California, running through the heart of Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
This famous route is known for its towering coastal redwood trees which are some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world, creating a magical canopy above the road.
You can enjoy various activities such as hiking, picnicking and even driving through a redwood at the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree, which is located about 10 miles into the drive.
The Avenue of the Giants offers a breathtaking experience that feels like stepping into an ancient, enchanted forest.
2. Glacier Point, California
Glacier Point is a breathtaking overlook in Yosemite National Park, perched 3,214 feet above Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7,214 feet.
Known for its stunning panoramic views, Glacier Point offers sights of iconic landmarks like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and the High Sierra peaks.
Glacier Point is accessible by car from late May through October, and during winter, it is a popular destination for cross-country skiing.
3. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls, located on the border between New York and Ontario, Canada, is one of the most famous and breathtaking waterfalls in the world.
It consists of three main falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, with the Horseshoe Falls being the largest and most powerful.
You can experience the falls up close with attractions like the Maid of the Mist boat tour and the Cave of the Winds, which offer thrilling views and a misty adventure.
4. Morning Glory Pool, Wyoming
Morning Glory Pool is a stunning hot spring located in Yellowstone National Park, about one mile from Old Faithful.
Named in the 1880s for its resemblance to the morning glory flower, this pool dazzles with vibrant blue, green and yellow colors created by heat-loving bacteria.
Unfortunately, vandalism has altered its appearance over the years, as trash thrown into the pool has reduced its temperature, causing the color to change from vibrant blue to more orange and yellow hues.
Despite this, Morning Glory Pool remains a must-see attraction and will give you a glimpse into the unique geothermal wonders of Yellowstone.
5. Denali, Alaska
Denali, located in Alaska, is the tallest mountain in North America, standing at an impressive 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).
It is the centerpiece of Denali National Park and Preserve, a vast area known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves and caribou.
The name “Denali” actually means “The Great One” in the Koyukon language which reflects its huge, towering presence.
You can also enjoy activities like hiking, wildlife viewing and even dog sledding here!
6. Monument Valley, Arizona
Monument Valley, located on the Arizona-Utah border, is a breathtaking desert landscape known for its towering red sandstone buttes and mesas.
This iconic area, which is part of the Navajo Nation, has been featured in countless Western movies, making it a symbol of the American West.
You can explore the valley on a 17-mile scenic drive or take guided tours to see famous formations like the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.
7. Waimea Canyon, Hawaii
Waimea Canyon, located on the west side of Kauaʻi in Hawaii, is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” due to its impressive size and beauty.
This stunning canyon stretches 14 miles long, a mile wide, and plunges over 3,600 feet deep, showcasing vibrant red and green hues from its volcanic rock formations.
You can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from various lookouts, hike through lush trails and explore the nearby Kōkeʻe State Park.
8. Garden of the Gods, Colorado
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a stunning public park known for its towering red sandstone rock formations.
These dramatic rocks, set against the backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak, create a breathtaking landscape that attracts millions of visitors each year.
The park also offers a variety of activities including hiking, rock climbing and guided nature walks, all free to the public.
9. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave, located in south-central Kentucky, is the world’s longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passageways.
This natural wonder is part of Mammoth Cave National Park which also features rolling hills, deep river valleys and diverse plant and animal life.
You can embark on guided cave tours, ranging from easy strolls to challenging adventures, and enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding and kayaking above ground.
10. Santa Elena Canyon, Texas
Santa Elena Canyon, located in Big Bend National Park, is a breathtaking natural wonder with towering cliffs that rise up to 1,500 feet above the Rio Grande River.
This stunning canyon is carved by the Rio Grande, creating a dramatic landscape perfect for hiking, rafting and canoeing adventures.
You can explore a 1.7-mile round-trip nature trail that takes you deep into the canyon’s shady depths and offers incredible views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
11. Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, Utah
Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, located in Bryce Canyon National Park, is famous for its stunning collection of hoodoos, which are tall, thin rock spires formed by erosion.
This natural amphitheater is accessible via several viewpoints, including Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, each offering breathtaking views of the colorful rock formations.
You can explore the area through various hiking trails, such as the Queen’s Garden Trail and the Navajo Loop Trail, which wind through the mesmerizing landscape.
12. Hoh Rain Forest, Washington
The Hoh Rain Forest, located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States.
Known for its lush, green landscape and towering trees like Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock, the forest receives an astounding 14 feet of rain each year.
You can explore the magical Hall of Mosses Trail or the Spruce Nature Trail, where you’ll be able to see moss-draped trees and luscious ferns.
With its enchanting scenery and abundant wildlife, including Roosevelt elk and banana slugs, the Hoh Rain Forest offers a unique adventure.
13. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
This immense canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, showcasing stunning layers of colorful rock formations.
You can explore the South Rim for its accessible viewpoints and amenities or venture to the more remote North Rim for a quieter experience.
With activities like hiking, mule rides and river rafting, the Grand Canyon offers endless adventures and breathtaking vistas that captivate millions each year.
14. Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake, located in southern Oregon, is the deepest lake in the United States with a maximum depth of 1,949 feet.
It was formed about 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama following a massive volcanic eruption.
Known for its stunningly clear, deep blue waters, the lake is entirely fed by rain and snow, making it one of the most pristine lakes in the world.
You can enjoy breathtaking views from the surrounding cliffs, explore Wizard Island by boat and hike along scenic trails.
15. Great Sand Dunes, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is famous for its towering sand dunes which are the tallest in North America, reaching up to 750 feet.
Situated against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the park has a unique landscape where you can hike, sandboard and even sled down the dunes.
The park is also an International Dark Sky Park, making it a fantastic spot for stargazing.
16. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, are renowned for their misty, blue-hued peaks and lush forests.
This range is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States, attracting over 12 million visitors annually.
The park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and wildlife spotting to exploring historic Appalachian structures.
17. Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, spanning 1.5 million acres.
Known as the “River of Grass,” it features a unique landscape of wetlands, mangroves and sawgrass marshes.
It’s also home to diverse wildlife like alligators, manatees and the elusive Florida panther.
You can explore the park through activities such as airboat tours, kayaking and hiking along scenic trails like the Anhinga Trail.
18. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located in Michigan’s northwestern Lower Peninsula, is famous for its towering sand dunes that rise 450 feet above Lake Michigan.
This stunning park offers miles of sandy beaches, lush forests and clear inland lakes, making it a paradise for anyone who loves nature.
You can hike the scenic trails, climb the dunes and explore the historic Glen Haven village.
19. Hamilton Pool, Texas
Hamilton Pool, located about 23 miles west of Austin, is a stunning natural swimming hole formed by the collapse of an underground river.
Known for its jade-green waters and a beautiful 50-foot waterfall, this picturesque spot is surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs and lush vegetation.
You can enjoy hiking trails, spot rare birds like the golden-cheeked warbler and explore the unique rock formations.
20. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Located near the town of Page in Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is a spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River.
This iconic landmark is known for its breathtaking views from a 1,000-foot high cliff, where you can see the emerald waters winding through the red sandstone.
The short 1.5-mile round-trip hike to the overlook provides stunning photo opportunities, making it a favorite spot for photographers or just anyone who enjoys nature.
21. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Located in western Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep, dramatic cliffs and narrow, shadowy gorge.
The park offers stunning views from the South Rim and North Rim, with overlooks like Chasm View and Painted Wall showcasing its dramatic rock faces.
You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing in the Gold Medal Waters of the Gunnison River and stargazing in this International Dark Sky Park.
22. Chimney Rock, North Carolina
Located in Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock is famous for its towering 315-foot granite monolith that offers breathtaking 75-mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
You can reach the top by either hiking the Outcroppings Trail or taking a state-of-the-art modern elevator, making it accessible for everyone.
The park offers several hiking trails, including the Hickory Nut Falls Trail leading to a 404-foot waterfall, as well as opportunities for rock climbing and bird watching.
23. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Located on the northern tip of Wisconsin along Lake Superior, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a breathtaking collection of 21 islands known for their stunning natural beauty.
You can explore the mesmerizing sea caves, either by kayak in the summer or as enchanting ice caves in the winter.
The park also boasts the largest collection of historic lighthouses in the National Park System, which offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
With activities like hiking, camping and boating, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a paradise for pretty much everyone.
Related Posts
